In March 2009 the Ofsted Inspector wrote:

Highly effective leadership of the Early Years Foundation Stage contributes to the excellent
start made by the youngest children. The quality of teaching is consistently outstanding from
dedicated teachers and teaching assistants. Consequently, children make at least good and
often outstanding progress in all areas of learning so that their attainment is often above that
expected for children when they enter Year 1. There is a strong emphasis placed on developing
children's early reading and writing skills to build children's confidence and encourage their
enjoyment of writing. This success in developing early reading and writing skills is helping the
school towards its aim of improving pupils' literacy skills throughout the school.

Children benefit from excellent care and support and, as a result, their personal, social and
emotional development is outstanding. They behave exceptionally well, playing and working
together in a friendly and cooperative way. Adults make excellent use of their assessments of
children's achievements to provide stimulating and highly imaginative learning experiences,
both inside and outside the classroom. There is a very well considered balance between
adult-directed learning and activities that children choose for themselves. Resources are
attractive, accessible and of excellent quality. As a result, children participate eagerly and
happily in their learning, including enthusiastic play in the large sandpit, imaginative role play
and devising and answering their own questions about the rainforest. Parents are highly
appreciative of the excellent start the Early Years Foundation Stage provides for their children.
One parent described the Reception/Year 1 class as, 'A wonderful environment that our child
has flourished in-a wonderful team of teachers and support staff'.

In the term before their child starts school, all parents receive a home visit from a F1 Reception Class teacher.  This is an ideal opportunity to really get to know each other and to share any relevant information.  Other invaluable sources of information are the report from pre-school/ nursery and the Oxfordshire Pupil Profiles.  These are carried on during the F1 year and form the basis for the end of F1 year Foundation Stage Profile. 

Parents are also invited to attend an informal meeting at school with the Early Years staff.  It is a great time to ask lots of questions and meet other parents.

Before the children start school they are encouraged to visit their class during the preceding term.  This helps to familiarise the child with the staff, fellow pupils and the building.  It also helps to overcome any initial fears and worries.

Many of our children have attended and enjoyed our free pre-school singing group held on Thursdays at 2.10pm.  Drinks and cakes are available for sale afterwards at our weekly Tea Shop, which raises money for the school.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to have fun and for parents to meet.